Rampart’s Camden Bruns wins Peak Performer after strong offense, defense in win over Vista Ridge
Fatigue was no match for Camden Bruns on Friday.
The Rampart junior running back and linebacker was integral on both sides of the ball in the Rams’ game against Vista Ridge. Starting at both positions, Bruns played the role of Rampart’s Swiss army knife and helped his team win 35-19.
Bruns is the Peak Performer of the Week.
“It was definitely a fight,” Bruns said. “It was tiring, but it was a great win for us.”
Rampart coach Rob Royer said, “He has a motor that doesn’t quit.”
On offense, Bruns carried 24 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a team-high 6.5 yards per carry. He also caught a pass for 11 yards.
Bruns is one of two strong backs in the Rams’ offense, alongside senior Maciu Ramaqa. Ramaqa is a quicker back who finds space via jukes and spins, while Bruns makes a living plowing through would-be tacklers.
Rampart’s Camden Bruns tosses a football after winning Peak Performer of the Week on Tuesday.
As it has several times earlier in the season, that duo gave Vista Ridge plenty of trouble, as they combined for 321 rushing yards.
“I think it’s hard for defenses to pick which one they want to guard more, so it’s a good force,” Bruns said.
Royer added, “They complement each other in the backfield, and they’re excited for each other when the other one’s doing well. They compete with each other in practice, but when it’s game time, they’re both Rams.”
Bruns’ defensive contributions were equally beneficial as his rushing. He tallied 11 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a quarterback hurry, a forced fumble and half of a sack.
Rampart, ranked No. 16 in CHSAA’s latest RPI standings, has held opponents under 20 points in five games this season, and Bruns is an important piece to the Rams’ strong defense.
“Vista Ridge ran and passed a lot, and their QB liked to run too, so I pursued him a lot,” Bruns said. “Our defense can get us pretty far, and I think it’s our number one motivator too. It brings a lot of energy, and we thrive off that energy.”
As a junior, Bruns said he’s developed as an athlete, leader and player throughout his three years of high school football. He will have one more year at Rampart after the 2023 season ends, which is something that excites Royer.
But that isn’t the focus right now.
The Rams, who enter their regular-season finale against Air Academy 5-4, are vying for a deep playoff run.
And Bruns is a significant piece to the puzzle if Rampart wants to achieve that.
“He’s been outstanding,” Royer said. “He’s come out and put a lot of his experiences from his freshman and sophomore years to use. He’s really changed his game.”
Rampart’s Camden Bruns poses for a portrait after winning Peak Performer of the Week on Tuesday.